May 5, 2000

BankBoston in Charles River Plaza closing for a day
On Thursday, May 11, the Charles River Park branch of BankBoston at 161 Cambridge St. will close at 3 pm to prepare for the conversion to Fleet Bank. The ATM machines in the branch lobby will continue to operate throughout the day and evening. MGH employees and staff who require other services, including check cashing, are advised to visit the branch before 3 pm on that day. On Friday, May 12, the branch will reopen as FleetBoston.

Discussion about research ethics
The MGH Ethics Task Force will sponsor "The 'Far Side' of Clinical Research: A Fresh Perspective on Research Ethics," May 10, from 5 to 6 pm in the Ether Dome. Refreshments will be served beginning at 4:30 pm. The presentation and discussion will be led by Greg Koski, MD, PhD, director of MGH Human Research Affairs. For more information, call 4-5348 or send e-mail to skdodge@partners.org.

Insulin resistance symposium
The MGH and MIT will sponsor a multidisciplinary symposium about "Insulin Resistance in Human Disease," May 16, 1 to 6 pm at MIT, 20 Ames St., E15-070, Cambridge. Topics will include the cardiovascular implications of insulin resistance, use of NMR spectroscopy and novel insulin resistance syndromes. Speakers will include Joseph Avruch, MD, of the MGH Diabetic Unit; Gerald Shulman, MD, PhD; James Meigs, MD, of MGH Internal Medicine; Steven Grinspoon, MD, of the MGH Neuroendocrine Unit; and Ann Taylor, MD, of the MGH Reproductive Endocrine Unit. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 253-3091.

Montreal and whitewater rafting trip
The MGH Outdoor Club will sponsor a trip to Montreal and white water rafting on the Rouge River in Quebec, June 23 through 25. The trip includes round-trip travel in a luxury motor coach from CNY, Friday and Saturday nights in a hotel and a full day of whitewater rafting on Sunday. For more information on this or other trips, send e-mail to the MGH Outdoor Club at lgarniss@partners.org.

Spellers wanted for spelling bee
The MGH will sponsor a team for the Boston Adult Literacy Fund's Annual Corporate Spelling Bee, May 23, 4:30 to 7 pm at the Federal Reserve Bank. Excellent spellers are needed to represent the MGH. There will be a buffet supper immediately following. Anyone interested in participating should contact Darby Brigham at 278-1053 by May 20.

Author speaks about caregivers of aging parents
Best-selling author Claire Berman will speak about issues related to caregiving for aging parents May 24, 5 to 7:30 pm, in Walcott Rooms 2 and 3. Berman is the author of Caregiving for Yourself While Caring for Your Aging Parents: How to Help, How to Survive. She also has written articles for People Magazine, Woman's Day and other national publications. This presentation is sponsored by MGH Senior Health and the MGH Family-Caregiver Support Program. A book signing and discussion will follow. Refreshments will be served. Space is limited. For more information or to make a reservation, call 6-4600 ext. 7802.